Iran has granted permission for India-flagged tankers to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz after discussions between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. This decision aims to ensure the smooth flow of crude oil and natural gas through this crucial sea route. Notably, Indian tankers ‘Pushpak’ and ‘Parimal’ are successfully passing through the strait while vessels from the US, Europe, and Israel are facing restrictions.
The safe passage of tankers through the Strait of Hormuz was a significant topic during the recent conversation between EAM Jaishankar and Iranian FM Araghchi. The leaders also deliberated on the evolving situation in West Asia, with a focus on maritime movements through the strait. This dialogue marked their third interaction since the onset of the Iran conflict.
In a related development, a Liberian-flagged tanker, under an Indian captain, carrying Saudi Arabian crude oil has crossed the Strait of Hormuz and docked at the Mumbai port. This tanker, named ‘Shenlong Suezmax,’ became the first vessel bound for India to traverse the waterway safely after disruptions caused by US and Israeli actions against Iran. The tanker loaded oil from Ras Tanura on March 1 and reached Indian waters on March 8.
The successful journey of the ‘Shenlong Suezmax’ tanker is expected to alleviate concerns in India regarding potential energy supply disruptions. India heavily relies on the Strait of Hormuz for its energy imports, with over half of its crude oil and natural gas shipments passing through this narrow maritime passage. Despite some vessels safely transiting, numerous Indian ships remain in or near the sensitive region, with 28 Indian-flagged vessels operating in or around the strait since the conflict began.
Officials reported that eight Indian-flagged ships, initially positioned east of the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict’s outbreak, have relocated to safer waters. Recent updates indicate that seven of these vessels, including ‘Desh Mahima,’ ‘Desh Abhiman,’ ‘Swarna Kamal,’ ‘Vishva Prerna,’ ‘Jag Viraat,’ ‘Jag Lokesh,’ and ‘LNGC Aseem,’ have moved out and reached the Arabian Sea. Another vessel, ‘Jag Lakshya,’ has proceeded towards Angola.
Tensions persist in the region, with a Thai-flagged cargo vessel reportedly attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on March 11. The vessel, ‘Mayuree Naree,’ departed from the UAE’s Khalifa Port en route to Gujarat’s Kandla Port when the incident occurred during its transit through the strait. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation due to ongoing security concerns in this critical maritime energy route.
